Table

Operating table used at the Fort Winnebago hospital, Portage, 1828-1845.

Object name

Table

Alternate object name

Operating table

Date

1828-1845

Dimensions

29 3/4"H x 24 1/4"W x 72 1/4"D

Original location

Portage, Columbia County, Wisconsin

Current location

Portage, Columbia County, Wisconsin

Description

This operating table's I-shaped top is made up of two boards with rounded corners. The side rails and flat tapered legs are joined to the end rails with a substantial number of nails--eight in each corner. A small quarter-round shelf is mounted in each corner. A small tray used as an instrument ledge is slotted into one long side (not shown in this image).

History

According to the Wisconsin Society Daughters of the American Revolution, this table was used as an operating table by surgeons at the Fort Winnebago hospital. Fort Winnebago was an active United States military post in Portage, Wisconsin from 1828-1845. The records of the DAR state that the table "was saved from destruction when the fort was abandoned by Dr. William Meacher; kept by his son, Dr. Byron Meacher; and presented to the Surgeons' Quarters by Dr. William Taylor." Once painted white, the table was stripped and stained by the DAR during the restoration of the Fort Winnebago Surgeons' Quarters.